Aquile, B-Side Players, Creature Canyon, The Grinnells, Dead Man’s Party

San Diego native Aquile, who grew up in Wyoming before returning to California, was 22 when he earned national attention in 2012 as a contestant on season three of the TV show The Voice. His solo shows are a mix of originals often looped in with Drake/Tupac/Bieber mashups. According to Aquile, “I create my own harmonies and make up a lot of my compositions on the fly.”

B-Side Players at Music Box Feb 2

Karlos Paez and the B-Side Players are celebrating their 30th anniversary in Little Italy. The dance band, which has won San Diego Music Awards for Best World Music and Best World Album, is known for lyrical content dealing with socially relevant issues such as political corruption, racism, and undocumented workers The bill includes Obed Padilla and a set from DJ Unite.

Creature Canyon at the Soda Bar Feb 2

Creature Canyon made a local splash when it won a $2000 second-place prize at the 2017 San Diego County Fair’s battle-of-the bands contest. Last year saw the release of a new single called “Impatient,” followed by “Too High,” and the band has been previewing unreleased demos on its social media sites. Opening the show will be Lead Pony and a set from Andrew Barrack.

The Grinnells at Books & Records Feb 3

Melonie Grinnell received her Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education with a jazz emphasis from the University of Miami and a Masters of Music performance degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. She teaches jazz piano and co-directs student ensembles for the Francis Parker/KSDS 88.3 Summer Jazz Workshop. Jazz bassist Justin Grinnell earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz performance at SDSU, as well as studying for his Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies degree at USD.

Dead Man’s Party at the Belly Up Feb 3

Oingo Boingo tribute Dead Man’s Party was launched in 2001 by Danny Elfman look-a-like Rob Elfaizy. Performances have included guest appearances from former Oingo Boingo members Steve Bartek (guitar) and John Avila (bass). According to the group, “We work hard to deliver the music of Danny Elfman and the boys of OB, staying as true as possible to its original sound with concerts that bring Boingo veterans back to the good old days and show the newbies what’s what.”